In the past two years or so, one of my most popular topics and the one that I've been asked to spend most of my time on is mashups. Notably, this topic seems to be popular across a widely diverse range of my audiences and across many countries and cultures.
My recent audiences have spanned four continents, and included such diverse group as IT professionals and CIO’s; commercial sales executives; military organizations; technology-enabled learning and e-Learning professionals; and higher education professors, deans and ministers. Given all the interest, I thought a short summary of the topic, along with some recent examples, was due. Hence... today’s post.
If mashups (or my views about them) are relatively new to you, you can find more details by searching for “mashup” on the Off Course – On Target site. Some of my previous postings on mashups include:
The main point I try to make (and why it seems so relevant to so many) is that mashups should be thought of as a conceptual model rather than a technology. While the term "mashup" is somewhat new, the concept is neither new nor complex. In simple terms:
A mashup is a unique assembly of bits and pieces from more than one source into a single integrated whole.
Even more simply (and a surprisingly robust metaphor for it) is that mashups are like Lego blocks; you have a lot of small components which can form almost infinite numbers of assemblies to create just about anything you can imagine.
With mashups, the ‘bits and pieces’ or individual Lego blocks are pre-existing things that can come from any source and often from multiple sources. Furthermore, these “bits and pieces” can truly be just about anything and everything, from content to code to hardware to events to teams.
Two things that are accelerating the rise of mashups are what I call MC2 (with apologies to Einstein and others):
MC2 = Mass Contribution multiplied by Mass Customization
Mass contribution and mass customization are part of the deeply pervasive metapattern of mass personalization, which Erik Duval and I refer to as "The Snowflake Effect." All of us are becoming increasingly enabled by mashup technology and the plentiful availability of mashable objects.
We are becoming mashup creators ourselves. Fewer programming skills are required, and many essentially require none, so we can focus on finding and assembling the specific components we want to put together into a unique assembly. You can get a sense of the depth and diversity of mashups by spending a few minutes looking at some of the examples listed by the likes of WebMashup.com.
Perhaps because my audiences who work in information technology (IT), as well those who are CIO’s, have shown such an interest in mashups, I took note of today’s posting (July 23rd, 2007) "A bumper crop of new mashup platforms" by Dion Hinchliffe and his previous posting from May, Mashups: The next major new software development model?. Dion’s blog, Enterprise 2.0, focuses on “leveraging the convergence of IT and the next generation of the Web”. He too makes note of this shift in focus from the current practice of creating “raw components” to creating assemblies instead. In the larger context, I’ve noted that this is also bringing with it a rethinking about the scope of design and how we are all becoming “designers”. As we create these assemblies of solutions to match our unique requirements, context, and situations. we are becoming more involved in design and design related tasks.
Dion provided this diagram which I thought was a good summary of the situation:
He also provided a reference to a recent McKinsey "Web 2.0 in business" survey which noted that 21% of organizations globally said they are using or planning to use mashups. He went on to note that:
“...there appears to be considerable demand for mashups at the enterprise level even though the majority of existing offerings are primarily aimed at the consumer space.”
In other recent news, I saw a good example of the Snowflake Effect and mashups on TV, or perhaps better put, in video content. This example is called Chime.tv and you will find a good summary and even better video coverage on David’s posting "Chime.TV’s subject-based channels cut across Internet video sources with one UI".
Even more apropos to today’s topic of mashups, Chime.TV is but one of the many examples coming out of the recently completed Mashup Camp run by David Berlind and others from Ziff Davis. David posted some of his observations on mashup trends yesterday in his posting Mashup culture shatters crusty, stodgy old approach to business app dev.
Returning now to this idea about mashups as a conceptual model, I want to recommend that you look at these examples and consider how mashups fit into your world and work. Consider that mashups also apply to people! Think for example about putting together a great project team. Ideally you want to be able to find just the right collection and combination of individuals who possess just the right set of skills, knowledge, experience, and attitudes (the Lego blocks) to form a new “assembly” that best matches the needs of the project and the context of the specific situation. Or consider how valuable it will be to be able to find just the right individual(s) to meet and talk with at a conference, in an online chat, or on IM.
Rather than leaving this to serendipity (even as powerful as I believe that to be), imagine a future where you and we collectively can start to increase the probability of finding “just the right” people to create the mashup of individuals you need. To some extent, this is already happening at some “unconference” events and more broadly with the newest “dating technology” whereby changing the context from romantic to professional or other purposes, the exact same technology can be extremely effective at helping you to find the right people to talk with, work with, and meet with.
I’ll continue to keep an eye on mashups and talk more about some specific applications and diversity in future postings. In the meantime, send me some of the ways you are going to mashup your world. This may sound “off course” but it sure is “on target” to improving our overall learning and performance, don’t you think?
w
a
yne
=====
Good review.
Posted by: Satellite tv for pc elite edition | February 13, 2008 at 05:54 AM
I've always been interested in science, but not math because I've already found it to be too complex.
Posted by: Lawrence Davis | September 28, 2008 at 06:31 AM
Hello Mr. Wayne, that's a great article. pls describe "Mashup" in a single sentence for a beginner like me. Thanks.
Posted by: Egy Azziera | April 25, 2009 at 05:34 PM
mashups are going to be future of web...
Posted by: Web 2.0 Software Development | June 12, 2009 at 10:26 PM
More people know that blog are good for every one where we get lots of information any topics !!! Discover the best male enhancement pills and products for men's health at www.male-sexual-styles.com
Posted by: penis enlargement | July 23, 2009 at 04:11 AM
Blogs are so interactive where we get lots of informative on any topics...... nice job keep it up !!
Posted by: Buy term papers | August 18, 2009 at 07:41 AM
Excellent post and wonderful blog, I really like this type of interesting articles keep it up.
http://www.ukdissertations.net/
Great job thanks!
Posted by: Dissertation Examples | September 07, 2009 at 08:12 PM
Blogs are so interactive where we get lots of informative on any topics...... nice job keep it up !!
Posted by: Generic Viagra | September 18, 2009 at 07:28 AM
I don't know about this topic more.But By reading your post I got impressed.Now I am interesting to know more about this.
Posted by: Adult Toys | September 25, 2009 at 04:26 AM
H iI’ll continue to keep an eye on mashups and talk more about some specific applications and diversity in future postings.
John B. Barnhart
Posted by: Viagra Online | September 26, 2009 at 09:03 AM
Continue to keep an eye on mashups and talk more about some specific applications and diversity in future postings
Posted by: Top Rated male Enhancement | October 02, 2009 at 11:51 PM
mashups are going to be future of web...
Posted by: check into cash | October 03, 2009 at 01:08 PM
I've always been interested in science, but not math because I've already found it to be too complex.
Posted by: Generic Propecia | October 12, 2009 at 11:52 PM
Great post and I like to know more about you work is interesting.
Posted by: Menopause Symptoms | October 20, 2009 at 07:59 AM
Nice blog I like to know more about your job is very interesting congratulations.
Posted by: Health Care | October 27, 2009 at 06:45 AM
I hope you write more about mashups in the future... I'm just starting to learn more about them. Thanks.
http://www.finelineconstruction.net
Posted by: Charlotte Home Remodeling Contractor | July 25, 2010 at 02:42 PM
Great inof... thanks for the effort in explaining all of this!
Posted by: Grand Rapids Remodeling | July 25, 2010 at 02:43 PM
very good blog, interesting information, thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Investments In Costa Rica | July 28, 2010 at 07:56 AM
very good blog, interesting information, thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Investments In Costa Rica | July 28, 2010 at 07:58 AM
wow all those garments are so amazing and fabulous I don't come to your blog as often as I would like, but whenever I do I see some really amazing things keep up the good work! =)
Posted by: Monogram Canvas | August 23, 2010 at 04:49 PM
Nice post! Very complete and detail information. That’s what I need! Well done!
Posted by: Music Career | September 03, 2010 at 10:30 PM
interesting post thanks for share
Posted by: vacuum chambers | September 18, 2010 at 12:15 AM
I agree with your opinion. Great post
Posted by: diarrhea help | September 18, 2010 at 12:17 AM
Mishmash of Mashups. Got to love the title.
Lots of good stuff here. I will bookmark and come back for more later.
Posted by: Viagra vs Cialis | September 18, 2010 at 12:01 PM
Great inof... thanks for the effort in explaining all of this!
Posted by: Acai Berry | October 24, 2010 at 12:22 AM
I agree with your opinion. Great post
Posted by: Extenze | October 24, 2010 at 12:25 AM
Mashup websites are great in order to save time but without good website with good content we can't have good mashup website ...
Posted by: trains o scale | November 05, 2010 at 03:08 AM
gotta love enstein!
Posted by: Bellevue Plumbing | November 05, 2010 at 01:54 PM
Thank you for sharing to us.
Please one more post about that..
Posted by: Generic Viagra | November 16, 2010 at 06:56 PM
Thank you for sharing to us.
Please one more post about that..
Posted by: Generic Viagra | November 17, 2010 at 04:46 PM
What's that mashups really mean in this article?
Posted by: vibrating underwear | November 17, 2010 at 05:40 PM
Im rather unsure myself mashups ?
Posted by: Web Design Kent | November 27, 2010 at 11:43 PM
Mashups i love the music variety best but hey ho !
Posted by: Guitar Teacher Kent | November 27, 2010 at 11:44 PM
This is pretty interesting site. I glad to find this site. Every time I got some thing new and interesting information here.
Posted by: viagra online | December 03, 2010 at 07:23 PM
Awesome!
Posted by: Realistic Dildos | December 05, 2010 at 09:39 PM
Good stuff... Just killing some time at work surfing the interweb and found your blog. Good looking blog. I will have to bookmark your blog to come back. Cheers!
Posted by: fort collins carpet cleaning | June 16, 2012 at 04:35 PM
Great read. I found your site from a google search, and was glad I did. The information has helped me a lot.
Posted by: Affiliate Programs for Freelancers | June 21, 2012 at 10:53 AM
I’m impressed with this informative blog, and in fact you have a genius mind.
Believe me i have never ever read this type of article,
I have no Golden words to describe your thoughts and information.
Thanks for such a wonderful post.
Posted by: Make A Survey Online | June 21, 2012 at 07:19 PM
I hope you write more about mashups in the future... I want to know more about them.
Posted by: Sturgis campgrounds | June 25, 2012 at 09:23 PM
I love lots of good input. I figure the more I learn the smarter I get. I'm in college student and I can use this information.
Posted by: online eten bestellen | June 27, 2012 at 11:41 AM
You have really done a lot of research for this article. It really shows in how you present your thoughts. You have kept your information interesting and original. Your talent for writing is truly amazing.
Posted by: wat is diabetes | July 07, 2012 at 01:27 PM
Beneficial post. I learn something totally new on different blogs everyday. Helpful stimulating to read through content from other writers and become familiar with a little something there.
Posted by: Black Tungsten Wedding Bands | July 16, 2012 at 06:15 PM
love your blog x
Posted by: Søgemaskineoptimering | July 23, 2012 at 07:46 PM
love your blog x
Posted by: Søgemaskineoptimering | July 23, 2012 at 07:47 PM
I was recommended this web site by my cousin. I'm not sure whether this post is written by him as nobody else know such detailed about my difficulty. You are incredible! Thanks!
Posted by: miljonairs model ervaringen | July 25, 2012 at 12:05 PM
Keep up the fantastic work , I read few content on this site and I think that your website is really interesting and has got circles of great information.
Posted by: studio backdrops | July 27, 2012 at 03:04 PM
I admire your writing skills, which included some great points which you have share for the others ....this
information is really important for me and incease my knowledge...thanks
Posted by: women's clothing atlanta | July 30, 2012 at 12:36 PM
Thank you…its great blog..so good luck for you..
Posted by: muslin backgrounds | August 10, 2012 at 11:48 AM
Would not be written any better. Looking over this post reminds me of my old room mate! He always kept talking about this. I am going to forward this post to him. Sure he’ll have a very good read. Thank you for sharing!
Posted by: Virtual Assistant Services | August 16, 2012 at 01:59 PM
I would like to thank you for the efforts you have put in writing this website. I am hoping the same high-grade site post from you in the upcoming also. Actually your creative writing skills has inspired me to get my own website now. Actually the blogging is spreading its wings rapidly. Your write up is a good example of it.
Posted by: miljonairs model | August 22, 2012 at 07:35 PM
Thanks for sharing. i really appreciate it that you shared with us such a informative post...
Posted by: good domain names | September 05, 2012 at 08:25 PM
Thanks for sharing. i really appreciate it that you shared with us such a informative post...
Posted by: good domain names | September 05, 2012 at 08:26 PM
Blog about worth watching movies, kitchen experiments and recipes, fabolous journeys, food, culture, thoughts about USA, and much more.please more information Visit At Our Website: http://www.abiteofamerica.com/
Posted by: Rechedpeach | September 07, 2012 at 04:49 PM
I really appreciate this post. I’ve been looking all over for this! Thank goodness I found it on Bing. You have made my day! Thx again!
Posted by: Cache County Jail | September 19, 2012 at 06:59 PM
My niece and I really were delighted reading on this page, I was just interested to acknowledge if you share featured posts?
Posted by: Audience Response System | September 25, 2012 at 07:16 PM
I am always seeking to find someone to make deals with but it’s just a consideration I would ask.
Posted by: Audience Response Rental | September 25, 2012 at 07:17 PM
Hi. I wanted to drop you a quick word to express my thanks.
Posted by: electronic voting systems | September 25, 2012 at 07:18 PM
Great stuff on your part, man. Ive read your stuff before and youre too awesome. I really like what you have here, love what youre saying and ways in which you say it. You create it entertaining but you just manage to make it smart. I cant wait to scan more from you. This is definitely an awesome site.
Posted by: Harris County Jail | September 26, 2012 at 11:31 PM
Hi. First of all I would like to say what a great site you have.
Posted by: vending | October 05, 2012 at 05:17 PM
This is a very good blog and I like it a lot. This post is very well written. Thanks a lot for writing good quality posts.
Posted by: website homepage | November 20, 2012 at 11:13 PM
Thanks for sharing,
great post
Posted by: Thuiswerk | January 08, 2013 at 07:39 AM